by Teri Greene, Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser

But wait - even the laziest among us can access inspiration, motivation and training expertise.

You just have to know where to look. Increasingly, that's on your smartphone or tablet.

In Consumer Reports' just released diet ratings, the top one was MyFitnessPal, a free smartphone app. The app lets users input the foods they've eaten and the exercise they've completed throughout the day.

Once that information is in, the app calculates the calories, fat, sugar, carbs, sodium and loads of other health info. Before you begin the program, MFP asks for your current weight, height, age and fitness goals, then constructs a personalized plan. Users learn which bad foods they're loading up on, which nutrients they're missing, and how to strike a diet/exercise balance that will help them reach their goals.

MyFitnessPal is not the first app of its kind, but it does seem to be the most meticulous.

Clinton Fitch, owner and editor of AlliOSNews, is a longtime user of the app and was especially excited when it became available for iPad last year.

"I've found MyFitnessPal to be the best solution for me managing my weight and caloric intake," Fitch told the Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser via email. "The integration the app has with other solutions (such as FitBit) make it simple to use. The biggest benefit I have from MyFitnessPal is the online database of foods. I recently moved to the UK, and I can scan a barcode on just about any food item here and it will be in the database. It's really impressive!"

FitBit (www.fitbit.com) is a full-scale system, implementing exercise and sleep tracking devices, a special weigh-in scale and mobile apps.

There is a seemingly endless list of fitness apps out there. Search on the Android or iTunes app stores and you're likely to find one just for you. Hint: start out with the free programs - or the free versions of more advanced programs. Seek the advice of friends who use fitness apps. If they're motivated and excited by it, chances are you will be, too.

Not apps - add-ons

One fitnesss trend on the rise is cardio training combined with strength training. For instance, spot training to reduce the dreaded "arm jiggle" of untoned triceps is a priority, especially for women.

In recent years, trainers in the U.S., inspired by the European method of walking with weighted sticks, have implemented resistance poles into walking regimens. These fitness tools have now entered the mainstream.

Using the Halsa Resistance Pole, for example, provides up to 13 pounds of resistance with each step on your fitness walk, working triceps and other muscle groups. A pair of Halsa Poles sells for about $125 on Amazon.com and at some sporting goods stores.

Wear it out

Well-chosen workout clothing really can motivate people to exercise, said Nadine Gelberg, Ph.D., creator of Devigi, a fitness line that emphasizes function, style and comfort - a growing trend among fitness enthusiasts.

The apparel is functional for fitness because of the fabric, which, like the best modern fitness clothing, wicks sweat away. But Devigi emphasizes the feel-good factor as well.

"Nothing helps the fitness commitment more than enthusiasm and confidence," Gelberg said. "The right fitness apparel can camouflage holiday bellies to give you the confidence to hit the gym and provide the positive reinforcement to continue the commitment past February.

"You don't have to wait until you're fit to look good at the gym. The right apparel can make you 'gym-ready' today."

Stylish designs move easily from gym to grocery store or wherever you're headed next, making it more convenient to schedule a workout.

And when you're comfortable in your clothes - soft, temperature-regulating and not confining, you are more likely to commit to your workouts, Gelberg said.

More popular fitness apps:

There are scores of fitness websites and mobile apps to help you begin your fitness routine and reach your goals. Here are a couple that Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser reporter and running columnist, Kym Klass, recommends for folks just starting out on the journey:

- Couch-to-5K ($2.99 in iTunes store): The idea is to transform you from "couch potato" to runner, getting you running three miles (or 5K) on a regular basis in just two months.

The method: The program guides you through a 30-minute walk/jog program that, week by week, increases the amount you're jogging and decreases your walking time. If you keep it up, by the end you'll be running nonstop for 30 minutes, ready for your first 5K event.

The app even gives you a round-up of upcoming 5K events in your area. This app was also the winner of the 2012 Appy Award for Best Healthcare & Fitness App.

- ElectricMiles for dailymile (free in iTunes store): This is the free iPhone app for dailymile, the social training log for runners, triathletes and cyclists.

Once you register to dailymile (www.dailymile.com) and get the app, you can follow your friends, respond to their entries and explore your network of dailymile contacts. You can upload workouts, notes and photos while you're away from your computer and share them via dailymile to Facebook and Twitter.